Higher education is more accessible than ever before globally, with more and more young people creating their academic and professional paths. Students tend to be attracted to universities outside their home country to live a fulfilling international experience, shared with people from all over the world. However, studying abroad can be very costly, with tuition fees reaching up to USD 55,000 per year in some of the world’s best universities. On the other hand, some European countries have remained the advocates of free education, and are an appealing option for many prospective students who.
Germany
Although they have been recent discussions in Germany to reintroduce fees, following the example of Baden-Württemberg's state in south-west Germany, for the time being, the education in most public universities is free for both German and international undergraduate students. There's only the amount of about USD 300 to be paid for administration costs, which is symbolic considering the outstanding quality of education and immediate access to Germany's strong economy. The most popular student cities in Germany are Munich and Berlin, which are home to some of the world's best universities such as the Technische Universität München. Non-European students should keep in mind that one of the requirements for a German student visa is a bank statement of USD 11,000 for living expenses.
Poland
Poland is home to 428 higher education institutions, including one of Central Europe's oldest universities, the Cracow Academy, known today as the Jagiellonian University. International students in Poland benefit from a relatively low cost of living, friendly local population, vibrant culture with numerous festivals, events, and exhibitions running throughout the year, especially in the summer months. The Polish lifestyle is very outdoors-oriented, and activities such as hiking, camping, and biking are a great pastime for student communities. A possible downside to studying in Poland is the language, as the majority of the courses are taught in Polish. However, degrees cover a variety of subjects — from medicine, biotechnology, and engineering to art and business.
Austria
Austria is an excellent choice for students who have good knowledge of German, as most of the bachelor programs are taught in Austrian German. Regarding the tuition fees, EU/EEA citizens pay no more than USD 450 per semester, whereas students from outside Europe will be charged slightly higher fees (USD 870). The cost of living in the country with the best quality of life in the world should be estimated at about USD 13,000 per year, spent on accommodation, transportation, food, and leisure. Student life in Austria is evolving around outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, and cultural events (e.g. opera, classical music, art exhibitions, etc.).
Sweden
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland have the right to fees-free Bachelor's studies in Sweden. However, international students from outside the EU should keep in mind that annual tuition fees can reach up to USD 18,000, which can be partly or fully covered by private or university scholarships. The Bachelor's studies are three years long, and take place in the form of lectures, seminars, and laboratory sessions. Also, students are expected to work on group projects and dedicate time to independent study to develop their critical thinking skills. One of the pitfalls of studying in Sweden is the high cost of living, which is anticipated for a country where the quality of life is among the highest in the world. For those students considering to establish their career in Sweden, it's worth mentioning that the country has an excellent social justice system; it has a very high level of wealth equality and the world's lowest gender pay gaps, as well as equal rights for homosexual and heterosexual couples.
Finland
EU/EEA citizens in Finland are entitled to free education, whereas non-EU students should expect to pay between USD 7,000 and USD 21,000, depending on the institution. Students in Finland get access to world-class higher education while enjoying a robust ecosystem in one of the safest countries in the world. When surveyed, international students in Finland appear to be highly satisfied on various levels, including excellence of education and quality of life. Finland's 14 universities and 24 polytechnics offer a wide range of degrees with Finance, Business, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) being the most sought-after disciplines. The process to obtain the residence permit is fairly simple and straightforward, and students should be able to prove they are financially independent and have obtained private health insurance.
